The Child Protection and Family Services Agency, CPFSA, has launched an investigation into a viral video showing a woman physically and verbally abusing a child.
The location and date of the incident have not yet been established.
Robian Williams reports.
In the video, seen by our news team, a woman who appears to be the child’s mother is seen forcefully pulling the girl’s ear as she cries.
The woman is heard questioning whether the child’s ears are working before hitting her several times in the face. She is also heard using expletives and making threats towards the child.
In a statement on Friday, the Child Protection and Family Services Agency, CPFSA, says there’s no justification for any form of violence against a child, whether physical, verbal or emotional.
CEO of the CPFSA, Laurette Adams Thomas, has condemned the video and is appealing to members of the public for assistance in identifying and locating the child.
The CPFSA says it is working closely with the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Cyber Crimes Unit to identify both the child and the woman in an effort to locate and safeguard the well-being of the child.
Mrs. Adams Thomas is urging members of the public not to share the video.
She’s further appealing to parents and caregivers to seek support when they are struggling with the demands of parenting.
The agency is reminding the public to call 211, the 24-hour child abuse reporting hotline, to report suspected cases of child abuse.
Reports can also be made via WhatsApp or telephone at 876-878-2882 or 876-822-7031, by email at report@childprotection.gov.jm, or through the CPFSA’s social media pages at @cpfsajm.
